Money may make the world go round—and not just the world, but your life, values, goals, and dreams—but it’s our family that makes it all worthwhile. What many people don’t realize is that sound financial planning is often the missing link between your money and your ideal future.
I saw this in action when I was very young. I grew up in an incredible family, but unfortunately, while my parents were instrumental in passing on important values like caring for others and working hard, they lacked a financial education that could have made their lives easier—even more meaningful and prosperous. If they had someone guiding them along the way with personalized strategies, they could have achieved more of their goals, spent more quality time with their family, and made more fruitful financial decisions. That’s why I became a financial advisor, to help people realize their dreams, desires, and goals through comprehensive wealth management.
First Career Steps
That’s the big picture, but here’s how it all came together. Like many other teens, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life when I graduated from high school, and somehow I ended up in computer engineering. For some context, remember that this was in the early ’80s and hardly anyone had a computer! A hard drive only had 30MB back then—we’ve come a long way! I spent some time working for my uncle (also a computer engineer) on a NASA project and quickly realized that this was not what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
Then, in what seems like a leap (remember, I was trying to figure my life out!), I worked for my sister-in-law, an accountant. This sparked my interest in finance, and I knew I had to change my major at San Diego State University. I took a finance class, and from that point on, I was hooked. I graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Financial Planning, and began working hard and continued studying, eventually earning the difficult and prestigious CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and Chartered Financial Consultant® certifications.
Starting out as a cold-caller, I began to gain experience helping clients with their money. And I couldn’t get the thought out of my head: “How can I make my money—and time—work smarter instead of harder?” My answer was to become independent and start my own firm, FSI Wealth Management.
Branching Out
Now, more than 25 years later, I get to serve my clients in ways that truly empower them and make a difference in their lives. I spend my days engaging with clients, who have become an extension of my family, by educating them and walking them through the decisions and challenges they face. With a foundation of strong relationships, I help them align their values with their resources through an in-depth wealth management process that gives them confidence in their future. My firm is built on “The Golden Rule” of treating others as we would like to be treated. That means that my clients always get my best, and their needs are always at the forefront of my decisions and what I do. The financial journey can seem daunting, but my clients know that I am with them every step of the way, and they can sleep better at night knowing I’m doing everything I can to get them from point A to point B.
The Best Part
For those of you who are old enough, do you remember one of the most famous lines from the TV show The A-Team? Here’s a reminder: “I love it when a plan comes together.” That line sums up what I consider the best part of my job. I put in the work to design and navigate a lifelong plan that is flexible enough to manage the obstacles of life, and then we celebrate when we see the results and the dreams turn into reality. It is so fulfilling to watch my clients achieve the very goals and dreams they shared with me when they first started working with my firm. I love it when my clients thank me for taking care of them; that means they are satisfied, and in turn, that makes me satisfied.
It is an incredible privilege to steward my clients’ financial lives, and that’s why I strive to be the best that I can be, continually learning and growing in the industry to set our firm apart.
Are You Ready for a Different Financial Future?
If you are ready to take control of your financial life and work with a firm that strives to exceed your expectations every day, I’d love to meet you and get to know you. Take the first step and schedule a no-obligation introductory meeting by calling me at (619) 681-1911 or emailing paul@fsiwealth.net.
About Paul
Paul Neves is president and wealth manager at FSI Wealth Management, a leading independent wealth management firm based in San Diego, California. Paul is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and a Chartered Financial Consultant®. Working with clients in the financial industry since 1989, Paul has dedicated his life to seeing his clients and their families reach their goals and fulfill the financial plans they have created for their life. He believes that trust and respect are key to building strong, long-lasting relationships with his clients. Paul is known for helping families take the mystery out of preparing for today and tomorrow.
Paul graduated from San Diego University in 1989 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, concentrating in financial planning and services. He is currently a resident of Point Loma, California, where he spends his free time with his family and friends either boating, cooking, wine tasting, or traveling. To learn more about Paul, connect with him on LinkedIn.